Gabby Thomas is a highly accomplished American track and field athlete who rose to global prominence with her outstanding performances on the track. Her achievements in athletics, combined with her academic excellence, have made her a role model and an inspiration to many.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 7, 1996, Gabrielle Lisa Thomas hails from Georgia and grew up in Massachusetts. She was born to Jennifer Randall, an American mother, and Desmond Thomas, a Jamaican father. Gabby’s athletic journey began early, participating in softball and soccer before transitioning to track and field at the Williston Northampton School. Inspired by Allyson Felix, her passion for sprinting was ignited after watching Felix race during her childhood.
Academic and Athletic Beginnings
Thomas attended Harvard University, where she balanced academics and athletics with remarkable success. Competing in six different events, she won 22 conference titles over three years and set records in the 100m, 200m, and indoor 60m. Her collegiate achievements established her as a standout athlete and paved the way for her professional career.
In October 2018, Gabby turned professional, signing a contract with New Balance and forgoing her final year of collegiate eligibility. She later moved to Austin, Texas, to train under coach Tonja Buford-Bailey while pursuing a Master’s Degree in epidemiology.
Personal Life
Gabby Thomas has been in a relationship with Spencer McManes since October 2022. The two met in Austin, Texas, though the exact details of their meeting remain private. McManes, a Yale University graduate and former football player, is an entrepreneur who founded a non-alcoholic seltzer brand. The couple shares a connection through their athletic backgrounds and Georgia roots.
Professional Achievements
Gabby Thomas’s professional career has been marked by extraordinary achievements. She represented the United States in the 200m race at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she clocked 21.61 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials the second-fastest time in history at that point. At the Olympics, she won a bronze medal in the 200m and a silver medal as part of the U.S. 4x100m relay team.
Her success continued in subsequent years. In 2022, she opened her outdoor season with the fastest-ever season opener for a 200m female sprinter at the Texas Relays. She also set a personal best in the 400m, clocking 49.68 seconds in 2023. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, she claimed a silver medal in the 200m.
The pinnacle of her career came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won gold in the 200m with a time of 21.83 seconds. She also contributed to the U.S. team’s victories in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, securing two additional gold medals.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2024, Gabby Thomas’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. Her income stems from brand endorsements, track earnings, and prize money. She has lucrative deals with major brands such as New Balance, HOTSHOT, Eli Lilly and Company, Lenovo, Nulo, Whoop, and Skims. Her endorsement portfolio reflects her status as a prominent athlete and a marketable figure in sports.
In addition to her endorsement earnings, Thomas received significant prize money from her victories at the Paris Olympics. World Athletics awarded $50,000 for individual gold medals, and relay gold medalists shared an equivalent amount equally among team members. These earnings further solidified her financial standing in the world of athletics.
Legacy and Impact
Gabby Thomas is more than just a sprinting sensation; she is an inspiration to aspiring athletes and scholars alike. Her ability to excel in both academics and athletics showcases her determination, discipline, and drive. As she continues to compete and inspire, her legacy as a champion on and off the track remains firmly intact.
